Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a system, application, or data. These factors typically include something the user knows (e.g., password), something the user has (e.g., smartphone or security token), and something the user is (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition). By combining multiple forms of authentication, MFA significantly enhances security by making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access sensitive information, even if one of the factors is compromised.